Articles in Category: Leo’s blog
Leo’s less formal, more random and occasional commentary on all things technology, business and Ask Leo! related, along with some philosophy at times as well.
Networking is Hard
A friend asked about transferring files from a Mac to a PC. Sadly the “correct” solution didn’t even enter my mind. Why? Networking is just too fragile, particularly between platforms.
Are You Always Learning?
I was challenged to think about what my “one word” might be. I talk about that, how I arrived at it, and why it feels better as a phrase.
What Is Patreon?
Patreon is a popular crowd-funding platform for a variety of content creators ranging from music … to technology!
A Couple of Travel Thoughts
Two of my more popular Ask Leo! articles cover travel related issues. I’m about to travel overseas, so touch on the two.
Ten Tips for Fall
10 (+1) Tips for both those new to the internet (for school, work or elsewhere), and perhaps more importantly, reminders for the more experienced among us.
Charging an Annual Subscription for Windows? Nope.
There’s a persistent and bogus rumor that Microsoft is planning on charging a monthly or annual subscription fee for Windows. I discuss why it’s bogus, and the folks that continue to persist pushing the rumor are, at best, Microsoft haters, and at worst… trolls.
Is It Time To Remove GWX Control Panel?
GWX Control Panel and the stand-alone utility Never10 were all about preventing reminders and installation of the free Windows 10 Update. Now that the free period is over, is it time to remove those utilities, or undo the steps that they took?
Installing the Windows 10 Anniversary Update
The Windows 10 Anniversary Update can be installed manually. With the help of some time-lapse video I’ll walk through that process, quickly.
If I Could Tell You Only One Thing…
I was asked to talk a bit about computer security the other day, and that got me to thinking about what’s important, and how I prioritize what it is I would want people to remember.
More Focus on Windows 10
Focus is slowly shifting to Windows 10, and I’m curious what you think of it these days. Likes? Dislikes? Things you can’t find? Not so much complaints, but opportunities where I can help?
You Can’t Assume the Cloud Has Your Back
I received a question earlier this week that got me to thinking – too many people are making too many assumptions about the resilience of their data “in the cloud”.
What It Means to be “Platform Agnostic”
I describe myself as being “platform agnostic”. I think that’s a pretty useful thing to be. I discuss what that means, and why many passionate proponents and opponents of various platforms make me sad.
An Update to My Internet Safety Book
I’ve released an update for my Internet Safety ebook. There’s a free version you can get for subscribing to The Ask Leo! Newsletter, and the expanded version will be available in a few weeks.
Edge Versus Internet Explorer
Microsoft’s strategy to push Edge seems to be dooming both Edge and IE (and how you can get IE back in Windows 10).
Windows 10 Behaves Like Malware
Windows 10 is a fine operating system, but it’s being tarnished by the over-the-top tactics Microsoft is using to get people to upgrade.
What’s the Risk of Using Unsupported Software?
It turns out you are really the key when it comes to running unsupported software safely.
What’s Up With Microsoft and Email?
In the wake of Microsoft’s announced withdrawal of support for Outlook.com synchronization with Windows Live Mail 2012, I review some of the implications, including an update to my position on getting free email programs from Microsoft.
Clearing Up Some Windows 10 Misconceptions
I recently had a question from someone that contained several common misconceptions about Windows 10. Let’s clear a few of those up…
Ad Free Outlook.com – With Support?
Microsoft offers an “Ad-free” Outlook.com upgrade that also promises additional support. While ads disappear, support appears to be the same as free.
If Everything Just Worked…
What would you do if you could count on technology always just working? What’s stopping you? I’m honestly curious…
On Aging and Being “Too Old”
I often hear from people who claim that they’re “too old” to do whatever it is they see technology as requiring. Needless to say, I have a different opinion.
Why Did You Recommend Software that Doesn’t Work?
I sometimes get feedback that a recommendation I’ve made has failed, sometimes horribly, for someone. I’ll discuss what I care about in backup solutions, and why my recommendation – or anyone’s recommendation – might fail for some.
Ask Leo! & Creative Commons
I’m placing all publicly accessible Ask Leo! content under a Creative Commons license – specifically BY-NC-ND. I’ll discuss what that means, and when you are and are not allowed to republish Ask Leo! articles elsewhere.
In Search of Perfect Security
Perfect security is a myth. What’s important is to pay attention to the trade-offs you make.
The Death of the Security Question
Security questions, as a way of verifying your identity, are falling out of favor. I’ll review why, and what you should do as a result.
Encryption, Padlocks, and Backdoors
Government agencies are increasingly pushing for a “back door” to encryption. I’ll look at what that means, and why it’s such horrible idea.
An Update to My Internet Security Book
It’s time for me to update my book “The Ask Leo Guide to Internet Safety”. Now’s the time to let me know what you think should be emphasized, clarified or covered in the new edition!
Another reason I don’t do negative reviews
A site similar to Ask Leo! is being sued, and it reminds me of one of the (sad) reasons I don’t often do negative reviews.
Stopping Spam is Harder Than You Think
Spam is a much more complex, much more widespread, and much more global in nature than most people realize. All that adds up to it being VERY difficult to stop.
Let’s Talk About Ransomware32
Ransomware32 is the latest threat currently making news. It’s a toolkit for malware authors to make more malware more easily. I’ll discuss what I think you should do about it.
Does “End of Support” Mean “End of Life”?
With versions of Internet Explorer prior to 11 going out of support, I’ll review what that means, and make recommendations as to what steps you should take.
What Your Email Address Says About You
It’s not as bad as it once was, but which email provider and what email address you have can cause some to make assumptions about who you are and what you do, or don’t, know.
Keeping the Neighbors Out
A question I received reminded me of something important that everyone needs to do: secure their router.
2015 in Review
A look at the most popular Ask Leo! articles of 2015, as well as an overview of those that got the most comments (hint: you’ll nod your head in understanding on why one topic, more than any other, might generate so much discussion in 2015).
You Can Use Free Email Safely (But Most People Don’t)
Free email is popular, ubiquitous … and risky. Free email accounts are lost regularly with no hope of recovery. I’ll review how you can use free email accounts safely.
Your Windows 10 Experience – Survey Results
The results were quick and the trends were clear, so I closed the survey a little early to bring you the results.
Thank You! (For being here)
It’s Thanksgiving time around here, and I’m very, very thankful … for you!
Updating the Windows 10 Recommendation
I’m starting to detect what may be a patten in Windows 10 update failures. I’ll outline my current recommendation, and what steps, if any, you should take when updating to Windows 10.
Tip #5: Have Fun!
Five Tips to get the most out of your technology.
Tip #5: Have Fun! – You can, and if you choose to you’ll see that it helps make tips 1 through 4 even easier!
Tip #4: Stay Safe!
Five Tips to get the most out of your technology. Tip #4: Stay Safe – I discuss the most important security software you have.
Tip #3: Back Up!
Five Tips to get the most out of your technology. Tip #3: Back Up! (You knew this one was coming….)
Coping with Change
The first in a video series “Five Tips to get the most out of your technology.” – Tip #1: Coping With Change
Can I Upgrade to Windows 10?
Windows 10 has been out for 2 months. Is it time to upgrade? Maybe not….
Reflections on life
Some reflections on life resulting from the untimely deaths of two of my internet entrepreneurial friends.
Coping With Change
In processing just a few of the responses to my survey of a few weeks ago it’s apparent that dealing with change is a bigger issue now than ever. Unfortunately since I embrace change so readily it leaves me at a disadvantage trying to help people cope. That’s where you come in.
Jumping to Conclusions
I’ve noticed a couple of patterns in the questions I get, and both boil down to a form of jumping to the wrong conclusions.
What Makes Ask Leo! Different?
I’ve been doing Ask Leo! for over 12 years now. What is it that makes Ask Leo! different?
